A positive case of avian influence, commonly known as the bird flu, has been found in Santa Cruz County. According to county officials, three wild birds in the county were found to be carrying the disease. "While this particular strain of the virus poses minimal risk to humans, out of an abundance of caution the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is warning residents," said the county in a statement to the public. “It is best practice to never touch or handle birds who are deceased or exhibit signs of distress or illness,” said Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County Health Officer. “While severe cases of bird flu are possible in humans, we rarely see symptoms develop beyond those of the common cold.”The disease has not been found on the Central Coast, but the Monterey County SPCA is warning the public to be on the lookout for symptoms.If you see animals exhibiting symptoms: Please call the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center at 831-264-5427. Please do not bring the bird to us without calling first, and please do not touch the bird. If touching the bird is unavoidable, be sure to wear gloves and a face mask and wash your hands and clothes thoroughly.If you see a deceased wild animal such as a goose, duck, gull, pelican, raptor, or corvid: Please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 831-649-2870. Please do not touch or handle the bird, and please do not bring the deceased bird to the SPCA Wildlife Center.If you have chickens, ducks, geese, or other poultry at home: Please follow recommended biosecurity measures to protect your pets. Learn more at www.spcamc.org/hpai.